In his address to the nation on New Year's Day, Prime Minister Jerns Stoltenberg opened by drawing attention to the fact that this year it is exactly 100 years since Norwegian women were granted the right to vote.
- That marked the start of an adventure for a whole nation. Through 100 years increased equality between men and women has created hope, fulfilled dreaams and give new strength to the belief in a better society.
- And this we shall celebrate this year, Stoltenberg said.
- And we shall remember the women who led the way. Those who demanded the obvious - to be able to decide for themselves.
And he recalled Fernanda Nissen, the upper class lady who led the strike by the women working in the match factories in 1889.
- And Grete Waitz was another. A sports legend who created magic moments, a person who broke down barriers. Grete Waitz showed girls all over the world that no race is too long.
- When Gro Harlem Bundtland in 1986 formed her Government, she wrote history. Eight out of 18 ministers were women.
But the most important change, Stoltenberg said, was the fact that women finally were able to make their own choices. In 40 years 600,000 women stepped out into paid jobs.
- Today, girls dominate status studies like law and medcine. Education was and is the key to freedom of choice - the key to the future. Therefore it is indeed encouraging that Norwegian schools and teachers now show fine progress in international surveys, the Prime Minister said.
- Norway is not a perfect country, but Norway is a good country. Many European nations now experience crisis, We are a nation experiencing growth. We do more research, development is on the increase and we create new industries. Norway is moving in the right direction.
- But then it is even more important to stand up for those on the outside. Those who fight to make ends meet. Those who are lonely, or struggle in other ways. This feels extra tough in a nation where more and more people are well off.
The Norwegian Prime Minister also touched on the importance of global health, including vaccination programs, the important global fight to preserve the climate. He also expressed a special thank you to the many Norwegians serving in international peace missions around the world: Soldiers, aid workers and health personnel.
- And on this first day in the new year our thoughts go to our dear Royal Family! Last year we celebrated the Royal Couple's double 75th birtday! Today we want to thank you for serving Norway for yet another year in such a fine way!
Prime Minister Stoltenberg ended his New Year speech by thanking all who were on duty this New Year weekend: Nurses, firemen, snow clearing crews and coastal pilots and the many others.
- Thank you for looking after us while we celebrate. And a special thank you to the policemen and -women on duty this night. You carry a responsibility for our safety with wisdom and courage.
- For this we thank you!
- Godt Nytt År!
(Edited by Rolleiv Solholm)
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